Device for closing a container comprising secure closure means

Abstract

A closure device designed to be put in place on, or removed from, a container, including a cap carrying at least two security projections, each provided with an axial locking abutment that can be moved radially between a cooperation position, in which the axial locking abutment engages with an axial locking abutment carried by the container, in order to hold the cap on the container, and a separation position, in which the axial locking abutment is separated from the axial locking abutment carried by the container. The closure device further includes a security ring snap-fitted onto the cap. The security projections are arranged on an internal surface of the security ring and the radial position of each axial locking abutment changes, by ovalization, from its cooperation position to its separation position.

Claims

1. A closure device for closing a container, comprising: a cap intended to be placed on the container or to be removed from that container by a relative movement between the cap and the container, the relative movement including an axial component; a security ring mounted around the cap so as to allow radial elastic deformation of the security ring by ovalization when the security ring is compressed radially in at least one compression direction, the security ring carrying at least two essentially diametrically opposite security projections, each provided with an axial locking abutment that can be moved radially between: a cooperation position, favored by elastic biasing, in which the axial locking abutment is intended to cooperate with a complementary axial locking abutment carried by the container to retain the cap on the container, and a separation position, in which the axial locking abutment is intended to be separated from the complementary axial locking abutment carried by the container to allow the release of the cap relative to the container; the security projections being arranged on an internal surface of the security ring and aligned in a direction essentially perpendicular to the compression direction; the radial position of each axial locking abutment carried by the security ring changing, by ovalization of this security ring, from its cooperation position to its separation position; said closure device further comprising a mechanism for snap-fitting the security ring onto the cap, which can be activated by an essentially axial relative movement between the security ring and the cap, the mechanism for snap-fitting the security ring onto the cap being active regardless of whether or not the security ring is ovalized; wherein the security ring is generally oval in shape with a minor axis and a major axis, the two security projections being essentially aligned with the minor axis of the security ring, the security ring being ovalized by deforming it elastically so as to reduce the major axis.

2. The closure device as claimed in claim 1, in which each security projection arranged on the security ring extends radially, from the internal surface of the security ring toward the security projection diametrically opposite, through a notch or an orifice of the cap.

3. The closure device as claimed in claim 1, in which the mechanism for snap-fitting the security ring onto the cap comprises at least one annular channel portion created in the cap, into which a portion of the security ring at least partially fits, the security ring remaining fitted in the channel portion upon ovalization of the security ring.

4. The closure device as claimed in claim 3, in which the annular channel portion is delimited by a ramp for radial elastic expansion of the security ring, designed to engage with this security ring before form-fitting of this security ring, taking into account the essentially axial snap-fitting relative movement between the security ring and the cap.

5. The closure device as claimed in claim 3, in which the security ring is angularly immobilized around the cap by an immobilization mechanism having complementary shapes created on the security ring and the cap, at least one part of the immobilization mechanism having immobilizing shapes remaining active upon ovalization of the security ring.

6. A medical device, comprising: a container; and the closure device as claimed in claim 1.

7. The medical device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the complementary axial locking abutment forms part of the mechanism for snap-fitting the cap onto the container.

8. The medical device as claimed in claim 7, in which, taking into account the essentially axial relative movement for snap-fitting the cap onto the container, each security projection is designed to engage with a ramp for retracting this security projection carried by the container before the axial locking abutment of each security projection is put in the cooperation position.

9. The medical device as claimed in claim 6, in which the complementary axial locking abutment is carried by a member for retaining the cap on the container, this retaining member, being intended to be mounted on the container or being made in one piece with this container.

10. A medical device, comprising: a container; a cap intended to be placed on the container or to be removed from that container by a relative movement between the cap and the container, the relative movement including an axial component; a security ring mounted around the cap so as to allow radial elastic deformation of the security ring by ovalization when the security ring is compressed radially in at least one compression direction, the security ring carrying at least two essentially diametrically opposite security projections, each provided with an axial locking abutment that can be moved radially between: a cooperation position, favored by elastic biasing, in which the axial locking abutment is intended to cooperate with a complementary axial locking abutment carried by the container to retain the cap on the container, and a separation position, in which the axial locking abutment is intended to be separated from the complementary axial locking abutment carried by the container to allow the release of the cap relative to the container; the security projections being arranged on an internal surface of the security ring and aligned in a direction essentially perpendicular to the compression direction; the radial position of each axial locking abutment carried by the security ring changing, by ovalization of this security ring, from its cooperation position to its separation position; said closure device further comprising a mechanism for snap-fitting the security ring onto the cap, which can be activated by an essentially axial relative movement between the security ring and the cap, the mechanism for snap-fitting the security ring onto the cap being active regardless of whether or not the security ring is ovalized; wherein the complementary axial locking abutment is carried by a member for retaining the cap on the container, this retaining member, being intended to be mounted on the container or being made in one piece with this container; wherein the retaining member forms a tip for dispensing a product contained in the container.

11. The medical device as claimed in claim 7, in which the complementary axial locking abutment is carried by a member for retaining the cap on the container, this retaining member, being intended to be mounted on the container or being made in one piece with this container.

12. The medical device as claimed in claim 8, in which the complementary axial locking abutment is carried by a member for retaining the cap on the container, this retaining member, being intended to be mounted on the container or being made in one piece with this container.

13. A closure device for closing a container, comprising: a cap intended to be placed on the container or to be removed from that container by a relative movement between the cap and the container, the relative movement including an axial component; a security ring mounted around the cap so as to allow radial elastic deformation of the security ring by ovalization when the security ring is compressed radially in at least one compression direction, the security ring carrying at least two essentially diametrically opposite security projections, each provided with an axial locking abutment that can be moved radially between: a cooperation position, favored by elastic biasing, in which the axial locking abutment is intended to cooperate with a complementary axial locking abutment carried by the container to retain the cap on the container, and a separation position, in which the axial locking abutment is intended to be separated from the complementary axial locking abutment carried by the container to allow the release of the cap relative to the container; the security projections being arranged on an internal surface of the security ring and aligned in a direction essentially perpendicular to the compression direction; the radial position of each axial locking abutment carried by the security ring changing, by ovalization of this security ring, from its cooperation position to its separation position; said closure device further comprising a mechanism for snap-fitting the security ring onto the cap, which can be activated by an essentially axial relative movement between the security ring and the cap, the mechanism for snap-fitting the security ring onto the cap being active regardless of whether or not the security ring is ovalized; wherein each security projection arranged on the security ring extends radially, from the internal surface of the security ring toward the security projection diametrically opposite, through a notch or an orifice of the cap.

14. The closure device as claimed in claim 4, in which the security ring is angularly immobilized around the cap by an immobilization mechanism having complementary shapes created on the security ring and the cap, at least one part of the immobilization mechanism having immobilizing shapes remaining active upon ovalization of the security ring.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will be better understood in light of the appended exemplary, non-limiting figures, in which:

(2) FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a medical device comprising a closure device, according to a first embodiment of the invention, affixed to a container, respectively in two use configurations of this closure device;

(3) FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the closure device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

(4) FIG. 4 is a view in axial section, along the line IV-IV of FIG. 5, of the closure device shown in the preceding figures;

(5) FIG. 5 is a view from above, in section along the line V-V of FIG. 6, of the closure device shown in the preceding figures, the axial locking abutments being in their cooperation position in order to hold the cap on the container, elements of the closure device having been removed for a better view of the security ring;

(6) FIG. 6 is a view in axial section, along the line VI-VI of FIG. 5, of the closure device shown in the preceding figures;

(7) FIGS. 7 to 9 are views similar to FIGS. 4 to 6, the axial locking abutments being in their separation position allowing the cap to be freed from the container;

(8) FIGS. 10 and 11 are views similar to FIGS. 7 and 9, the cap being separated from the container;

(9) FIG. 12 is a side view of a medical device comprising a closure device, according to a second embodiment of the invention, affixed to a container;

(10) FIG. 13 is a view in axial section, similar to FIG. 4, of the closure device shown in FIG. 12;

(11) FIGS. 14 and 15 are perspective views, similar to FIGS. 2 and 3, of a medical device comprising a closure device according to a third embodiment of the invention;

(12) FIGS. 16 and 17 are side views of a medical device comprising a closure device, respectively according to fourth and fifth embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(13) Shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a medical device 20 according to the invention. This medical device 20 comprises a container 21 having a general shape which is axisymmetric about an axis A, forming a reservoir, onto which is affixed a tip 22 for dispensing a product contained in the container 21. As a variant, this dispensing tip 22 could be in one piece with the container 21.

(14) The medical device 20 also comprises a device 23 for closing the container 21.

(15) The closure device 23 comprises a cap 24 designed to be put in place on the container 21 or to be removed from this container 21 by means of a relative movement between the cap 24 and the container 21 comprising an axial component parallel to the axis A.

(16) More particularly, in order to retain the closure device 23 on the container 21, the medical device 20 comprises means 25 for snap-fitting the cap 24 onto the dispensing tip 22, which can be activated by means of an essentially axial relative movement between this cap 24 and this dispensing tip 22.

(17) The snap-fitting means 25 comprise a security ring 26 mounted around the cap 24 so as to allow radial elastic deformation thereof by ovalization when the security ring 26 is compressed radially in a compression direction, as will be set out in more detail below.

(18) The snap-fitting means 25 also comprise complementary axial locking abutments carried by the dispensing tip 22 and the security ring 26.

(19) Thus, the dispensing tip 22 has, in a manner known per se, a dispensing nozzle 27 which can be activated by a user of the medical device 20 by moving this dispensing nozzle 27 axially counter to an elastic biasing force

(20) Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1, the dispensing tip 22 comprises a collar 28, forming an axial locking abutment 29 of the closure device 23.

(21) Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the security ring 26 of the cap 24 comprises two essentially diametrically opposite locking abutments 30, referred to as security abutments, which are carried by two internal radial projections 32 of the security ring 26.

(22) The two security projections 32 are arranged on the internal surface of the security ring 26, being essentially aligned in a direction essentially perpendicular to the compression direction.

(23) The axial locking abutments 29, 30 of the dispensing tip 22 and of the security ring 26 therefore form the complementary axial locking abutments of the snap-fitting means 25.

(24) Each axial locking abutment 30 can be displaced radially. Indeed, the radial position of each axial locking abutment 30 carried by the security ring 26 changes, by ovalization of this security ring 26, from an engagement position toward a separation position.

(25) In the cooperation position (shown in FIG. 2), the complementary axial locking abutments 29, 30 of the dispensing tip 22 and of the security ring 26 engage with one another to hold the cap 24 on the dispensing tip 22 of the container 21.

(26) The cooperation position is furthermore favored by an elastic biasing established by a material having an elastic effect being used to make the security ring 26.

(27) In the separation position (shown in FIG. 1), the axial locking abutments 30 of the security ring 26 are separated from the complementary axial locking abutment 29 of tip 22 of the container 21 so as to allow the cap 24 to be released from this tip 22 of the container 21.

(28) The dispensing tip 22 thus forms a member for retaining the cap 24 on the container 21.

(29) Since the axial locking abutment 28 carried by the dispensing tip 22 is axisymmetric, this makes it possible to place the cap 24 on the dispensing tip 22 in any angular position about the axis A.

(30) Preferably, as shown in FIG. 3, the security ring 26 is generally oval in shape and the two security projections 32 are essentially aligned with its minor axis corresponding to the plane of section IV of FIG. 5.

(31) In order for the axial locking abutments 29, 30 of the dispensing tip 22 and of the security ring 26 to be able to engage, each security projection 32 extends radially, from the internal surface of the security ring 26 toward the security projection 32 diametrically opposite, through a notch 34 in the cap 24. It is thus apparent, as shown in FIG. 4, that, in the cooperation position, the axial locking abutments 29, 30 of the tip 22 and of the security ring 26 engage through the notch 34 in the cap 24.

(32) The closure device 23 also comprises means 36 for snap-fitting the security ring 26 onto the cap 24. These snap-fitting means 36 can be activated by means of an essentially axial relative movement between the security ring 26 and the cap 24. It is to be noted that the means 36 for snap-fitting the security ring 26 onto the cap 24 are active regardless of whether or not the security ring 26 is ovalized.

(33) The snap-fitting means 36 shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 comprise: three pairs of snap-fitting projections 38a, 38b, 38c carried by the internal face of the security ring 26, three pairs of complementary snap-fitting orifices 40a, 40b, 40c created in the cap 24.

(34) The snap-fitting projections of each pair 38a, 38b, 38c are arranged essentially diametrically opposite one another on the internal face of the security ring 26 and are angularly offset with respect to the security projections 32 designed to engage with the collar 28 of the dispensing tip 22. The three pairs of snap-fitting projections 38a, 38b, 38c engage by form fit with the three pairs of complementary snap-fitting orifices 40a, 40b, 40c of the cap 24 so as to remain in a form fit in these snap-fitting orifices 40a, 40b, 40c upon ovalization of the security ring 26. Thus, the security ring 26 always remains snap-fitted on the cap 24.

(35) Each snap-fitting orifice 40a, 40b, 40c is furthermore delimited by a ramp 42a, 42b for retracting the corresponding snap-fitting projection 38a, 38b, 38c.

(36) Taking into account the relative movement for snap-fitting the security ring 26 onto the cap 24, the three pairs of snap-fitting projections 38a, 38b, 38c of the security ring 26 are thus arranged so as to engage with the three pairs of snap-fitting orifices 40a, 40b, 40c of the cap 24, each via these retracting ramps 42a, 42b before form-fitting each snap-fitting projection in the corresponding snap-fitting orifice 40a, 40b, 40c.

(37) As stated above, in the separation position (shown in FIGS. 1, 10 and 11) corresponding to the deactivation of the closure device 23 of the cap 24 on the container 21, each axial locking abutment 30 of the security ring 26 is separated from the axial locking abutment 29 of the container 21 to allow the cap 24 to be freed from the container 21.

(38) There follows a description of the principal steps of handling the medical device 20 according to the invention.

(39) Reference is first made to the medical device 20 in its closed configuration as shown in FIG. 2. In this case, the cap 24 is snap-fitted onto the dispensing tip 22, the snap-fitting means 25 being activated as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6.

(40) In order to separate the cap 24 from the dispensing tip 22, the user radially compresses the security ring 26 in the compression direction shown by arrows 43 in FIGS. 8 and 9. This causes the ovalization of the security ring 26 by elastic deformation of the latter so as to reduce its major axis (corresponding to the plane of section VI of FIG. 5) and extend its minor axis (corresponding to the plane of section IV of FIG. 5) in the direction shown by arrows 44 in FIGS. 7 and 8.

(41) Since the security projections 32 are arranged on the internal surface of the security ring 26 so as to be essentially aligned with its minor axis which extends upon ovalization, the security projections 32 move away from the dispensing tip 22. This releases the axial locking abutments 30, carried by the security ring 26, from the axial locking abutment 29 carried by the dispensing tip 22.

(42) Then, in accordance with a usual motion, the user separates the cap 24 from the container 21 by moving the cap 24 axially with respect to the dispensing tip 22, in the direction of the arrow 46 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The medical device 20 is then in its open configuration as shown in FIG. 1.

(43) It is to be noted that the means 36 for snap-fitting the security ring 26 onto the cap 24 remain active regardless of whether or not the security ring 26 is ovalized or even if the cap 24 is removed 46 from the container 21. Indeed, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the three pairs of snap-fitting projections 38a, 38b, 38c of the security ring 26 remain form-fitted in the three pairs of snap-fitting orifices 40a, 40b, 40c of the cap 24 upon ovalization of the security ring 26.

(44) In order to re-close the medical device 20, the user snap-fits the cap 24 onto the dispensing tip 22 by moving it essentially axially (parallel to the axis A) toward this dispensing tip 22.

(45) It is to be noted that a retracting ramp 50 is created on the collar 28 of the dispensing tip 22.

(46) Thus, when the cap 24 is moved so as to snap-fit it onto the dispensing tip 22, each security projection 32 is retracted by engagement with the retracting ramp 50 carried by the dispensing tip 22 (and thus the container 21). This retraction, which allows the security projections 32 to pass the collar 28, thus precedes the axial locking abutments 29, 30 of the dispensing tip 22 and of the security ring 26 being placed in the cooperation position.

(47) Once the axial locking abutments 29, 30 are in engagement, the cap 24 is held on the dispensing tip 22, as shown in FIG. 2.

(48) There follows, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 17, a description of other embodiments of the invention. In these FIGS. 12 to 17, those elements which are analogous to those of the preceding figures are designated with identical references.

(49) FIGS. 12 and 13 show a medical device 20 comprising a closure device 23 according to a second embodiment of the invention. This closure device 23 is affixed to the container 21.

(50) In this case, the dispensing tip 22 is a dropper, the operation of which is known per se. The dispensing tip 22 is screwed onto a threaded neck 52 of the container 21.

(51) Furthermore, the means 36 for snap-fitting the security ring 26 onto the cap 24 comprise in this case an annular channel 54 created in the cap 24. The security ring 26 is form-fitted into this annular channel 54 and remains form-fitted therein upon ovalization of the security ring 26, preventing the cap 24 and the security ring 26 from being separated.

(52) As shown in FIG. 13, each security projection 32 of the security ring 26 extends radially, from the internal surface of the security ring 26 toward the security projection 32 diametrically opposite, through an orifice 55 in the cap 24.

(53) It is to be noted that the annular channel 54 is delimited by a ramp 56 for the radial elastic expansion of the security ring 26. This radial elastic expansion ramp 56 is annular and designed to engage with this security ring 26 before form-fitting of this security ring 26 in the annular channel 54, taking into account the essentially axial snap-fitting relative movement between the security ring 26 and the cap 24.

(54) FIGS. 14 and 15 show a medical device 20 comprising a closure device 23 according to a third embodiment of the invention. This closure device 23 is mounted on the container 21.

(55) As in the second embodiment, the security ring 26 is form-fitted into the annular channel 54 and remains form-fitted therein upon ovalization of this security ring 26. Similarly, each security projection 32 of the security ring 26 extends radially, from the internal surface of the security ring 26 toward the security projection 32 diametrically opposite, through an orifice 55 in the cap 24.

(56) However, in the third embodiment of the invention, the closure device 23 comprises angular immobilization means 57 having complementary shapes, created on the security ring 26 and the cap 24. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the immobilization means 57 comprise, on one hand, axial spurs 57A secured to one end of the security ring 26 and form-fitted into axial notches 57B created in one edge of the annular channel 54 and, on the other hand, axial notches 57C created in the same end as above of the security ring 26, form-fitted into axial ribs 57D arranged on the cap 24, at the bottom of the annular channel 54, on either side of an orifice 55 through which a security projection 32 is to pass.

(57) The immobilization means 57 permit the angular immobilization of the security ring 26 in the channel 54. At least part of these immobilization means 57 remain active upon ovalization of the security ring 26.

(58) FIGS. 16 and 17 each show a medical device 20 comprising a closure device 23, respectively according to fourth and fifth embodiments of the invention.

(59) In the case of FIG. 16, the means 36 for snap-fitting the security ring 26 onto the cap 24 comprise two portions, diametrically opposite one and the same annular channel 54, created in the cap 24. The security ring 26 is form-fitted into these two portions of the annular channel 54.

(60) In the case of FIG. 17, the expansion ramp 56, designed to engage with the security ring 26 before it is form-fitted into the annular channel 54, has a slope which changes about the axis A.

(61) The invention is not restricted to the embodiments presented hereinabove and other embodiments will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art.

(62) In particular, it is to be noted that the axial locking abutment 29 may be carried by a member for retaining the cap 24 on the container 21, other than a tip for dispensing product. This retaining member may be mounted on the container 21 or made in one piece with this container 21.

(63) Furthermore, in order to retain the closure device 23 on the container 21, it is possible to provide means other than means 25 for snap-fitting the cap 24 onto the dispensing tip 22, for example means for screwing the cap 24 onto a member for retaining the cap 24 mounted on the container 21 or made in one piece with this container 21.